Buller Wines Pty Ltd has been fined $50,000 following an explosion during a gin-making experience at its distillery in Rutherglen, which resulted in injuries to eight people.
The incident occurred in April 2022 when a 330-litre copper pot-still exploded, creating a fireball that ignited the venue’s floor. Among the injured were two workers and six customers, with one requiring hospitalization for severe burns.
The court found Buller Wines guilty of failing to provide proper training and safety information to its employees (s.21(2)(e) of the OHS Act) and failing to safeguard attendees from health risks (s.23).
The explosion was attributed to insufficient water in the still to cover the heating elements, leading to ignited ethanol vapours. The assistant winemaker overseeing the event had not previously conducted such a distillation, and the lack of thorough training contributed to the dangerous outcome.
WorkSafe Executive Director Sam Jenkin emphasized that proper hazard identification and employee training are crucial for workplace safety. He cautioned that neglecting these responsibilities could lead to catastrophic emergencies, as witnessed in this case.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and training in environments involving potentially hazardous machinery.
Read more: WorkSafe Victoria - $50K Fine For Gin Distiller Explosion